Definition

Describing a type of insect development that does not include a pupal stage, where the young resemble smaller versions of the adults and grow through a series of molts.

Example

Grasshoppers are hemimetabolous insects, as they develop through several nymph stages before becoming adults.

Conversation

Did you know that some insects are hemimetabolous?

Really? I thought all insects went through a pupal stage.

Nope, hemimetabolous insects transform directly from nymphs to adults.

That's fascinating! I need to read more about insect life cycles.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hemimetabolous → It is formed from "hemi-" (meaning half) and "metabolous" (from Greek "metabole", meaning change). The word describes an organism that undergoes a partial metamorphosis, indicating a life cycle that includes a half-change from juvenile to adult form.

Memory Tip

Think of 'half' ('hemi-') and 'change' ('metabolous') to remember that hemimetabolous refers to organisms that undergo a partial change in their life cycle.

Visually Confused Words